Northrup King Building — Attraction in Minneapolis

The Northrup King Building is an artists colony, in part, though some spaces are shops of new and antique toys, maps, Asian art, among others. It's four floors of subdivided spaces where some artists both create and show their work. The first weekend of November is Art Attack, when the building is open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons for people to shop or talk to the artists. Artist participation is voluntary, so not all studios are open. Start on the fourth floor and work your way across and down. There is some astoundingly marvelous stuff to be found here. Note: there's no food court and not much in the way of food to be found, so you'd be better off eating ahead of time or bringing a bag lunch. Sometimes food trucks park in the inner courtyard, but it's probably best not to rely on that. There are other times throughout the year where you can visit this interesting place, so check out their website (google Northrup King Building and you'll find it). It's too much to take in in one day,...

Presented to this location as part of Art-A-Whirl ... always great to see the work of those who show us the world differently. I have enjoyed Art-A-Whirl as a destination event. I do not think I can do the artists justice describing their work. While offered I did not take in any of the demo's. I took a moment to discuss #TangibleCollectiveMN a space dedicated to black millennial thought and expression. I also enjoy the random street artists and those, not specifically part of Art-A-Whirl, out and about selling their goods. It was great to see #HouseofGauss @magnetdude and their creative pivot ... the magnet mobile. Art-A-Whirl is very enjoyable.

Considerations: Parking is difficult. There is a lot of walking and then you get to the event and walk on hard concrete flooring. Then there was the standing... looking at art, in line for toilets, in line for restaurants etc. The toilets I located, were really low and the set up reminded me of Ally McBeal.

We were able to locate seating for brief rests while...

350 unique Artists and Creatives under One Enormous Roof! The Northrup King Building is the largest arts complex in Minnesota. Nationally and Internationally collected Artists work here. They have exciting monthly events too. First Thursday each month is an open studio event 5-9pm, and every Saturday (unless federal holiday) is Open Studio Saturday, 12-4pm. Art, paintings, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, glass, ceramics, textiles, furniture, and more.

As a former seed warehouse, this 100 year old building still has its industrial roots: fantastic metal doors, exposed brick, scarred hardwood floors, pulleys, old time elevators (in addition to a modern passenger elevator). Combined with all the art, this is one of the most charming buildings I have...